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L&T Chairman's 90-Hour Workweek: Big Salary, Bigger Controversy!

L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan stirs up a storm with his push for 90-hour workweeks while raking in a whopping ₹51 crore! Is it time to check the work-life balance?

In a move that has set social media ablaze, L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan recently advocated for a staggering 90-hour workweek for his employees at one of India's largest construction conglomerates. While some might argue that such a steep time commitment is essential for productivity and success, others couldn't help but roll their eyes—or in some cases, erupt in outrage. After all, one can't ignore the glaring discrepancy between a hefty ₹51 crore annual salary and the average worker’s paycheck, which rarely puts a dent in their monthly expenses.

Subrahmanyan’s comments have reignited the ongoing debate about work-life balance in India, where the traditional 8-hour workday has long been cherished. His urging for longer hours, even suggesting that employees work on Sundays, was met with fierce backlash, with critics labeling such demands as 'new-age slave driving.' A notable response came from Rajiv Bajaj, who emphasized that any changes should start from the top. After all, could anyone realistically expect their employees to devote such hefty hours when the bosses may not be setting the same kind of example?

Adding more fuel to the fire, the public reacted humorously with memes and witty remarks. One tweet posed the question: "How long can you stare at your wife before you realize you need a break?" Others highlighted the absurdity of the situation, asking if long hours at work meant fewer family and social commitments. As online debates continue, many are calling for clearer expectations and better employee support systems instead of what's perceived as unreasonable demands from the top.

Interestingly, Subrahmanyan isn't alone in this call for increased hours. Earlier this year, tech mogul Narayana Murthy suggested a 70-hour work week, prompting many to wonder if this trend of extreme work expectations is becoming normalized among corporate leaders. If anything, this rhetoric seems to serve as a wake-up call for a re-evaluation of India's perspective on work, productivity, and personal wellbeing.

While the push for elongated work hours may be a sign of ambition, it's essential to remember that a flourishing economy also hinges on the mental well-being of its workforce. After all, an employee who feels burnt out is typically less productive—but who on this side of the corporate ladder is taking notes? As discussions persist, it remains paramount that the conversation shifts towards a sustainable work culture that values productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.